(DRAFT) Artificial Terror

Chapter 12: Sorted Information

    "Why's that?"

    "You don't have to deal with cheaters," he answered.

    "I'm sorry to hear it," I told him. "You haven't found another girl?"

    "I've been focusing more on myself and school instead."

    "Mind if I ask what about you you're working on? Like a weird trait you hate about yourself?"

    "Not that."

    "You didn't answer my question."

    "Are you going to grill me on it?" He set a hand on his hip.

    "Yes," I answered with a smug smile. "I have my guesses, especially after asking about my sexuality."

    "Bold of you to assume."

    "Bold of me, too, and I think I'm right."

    "It started after breaking up with my girlfriend," Blake started. "I think it's been there, but I finally took it at face value. I was going to tell my dad."

I remembered how I felt. Confusing, but a freeing experience. I sipped more water.

    "It's good you're being honest to yourself."

    Blake sat down beside me. "When I figured you out, I knew I could tell you."

    "I'm glad you felt safe to open up to me." I smiled. "Identity's stumping, but once you have it nailed down, it all makes sense."

    "I like girls and guys, but I like anyone for who they are."

    "Sounds like pansexuality, although it might be something else."

    "Tim, this makes sense."

    "I'd love to talk about it more with you once all of this is over. It takes more than one conversation."

    "I bet, but thanks for letting me get it off my chest. I thought I might explode," Blake said, leaning in.

My eyes widened, but he wrapped his arms around me. I completed the hug. This feels nice.

     "Good thing you didn't explode," I said. My heart beat faster. I enjoy this. I pulled away.

Did I really feel...? I continued to drink water. Those feelings stuck with me, but I convinced myself otherwise. The moment got me emotional, and my heart kept up. Blake smiled. Wasn't there something bothering me? A.I. popped into mind. I struggled with my old interest, making no heads or tails.

The water bottle sat empty.

    Green called out, "Everything's done and ready to be activated."

Blake stood and held out his hand. I took it and felt him lift me up. We packed and stopped in the doorway.

    "Thank you all so much!" I waved.

     "We believe in you, Tim," Yellow said as we left. "Don't worry about us!"

We traversed through the hallways. No P.A. system or turrets left everything quiet. Is this the calm before the storm? I didn't give it much thought, but let out a sigh. My internal battle returned. Could I like what I liked in good faith? Thoughts beehived my mind. I almost hit a wall in the buzz.

    "Are you okay?" Blake asked.

    "Sure?" I answered, not even convinced myself.

    "What's going on in your head?"

    "I'm debating about artificial intelligence."

    "Was it your favorite topic?"

    "It really was."

    "This sounds not too different from me figuring out my attraction."

He's very astute about this. I pushed a door open to see a familiar hallway with the elevator doors at the end.

    "Lately, I've been leaning towards dislike of A.I. now."

    "What's stopping you from flat out disliking A.I.?"

    "Uh...I...nothing."

    "You straight up don't like A.I."

    "Weird, it took me so long to figure it out. Thank you."

    "You helped me plenty, and this was a way to repay you," Blake said as he pressed the elevator button.

    I smirked. "If we're going to be friends after this, you'll get used to me thanking you a lot."

    "I think it sounds great."

    "You know what sounds lovely? A road trip."

    "When did you get that idea?"

    "Just now. It would be fun, don't you think?"

    "Yeah. Where'd we be going?"

    "Wherever we want," I answered as the elevator doors opened.

We stepped inside the elevator. The doors slid shut while I pressed the eighth floor and fourth floor buttons. The elevator jerked upwards. I do hope we could have a road trip. The thought brought a smile across my face as I looked forward to the future. Just need to survive Charlotte first. Anxiety took effect as I knew how unpredictable all this would be. Blake took notice.

    "Things will work out. I know you can do it."

    "Thanks, but I can't stop worrying about what's a possible death sentence," I said.

    "It's not a death sentence. It's freedom."

    "Freedom from her. Freedom for all of us."

    "Yes, that's the spirit." Blake smiled.

    "I can do this," I stated as the elevator came to a stop.

The doors opened, revealing a familiar lobby. It sat disheveled: potted plant spread on the floor and rug wrinkled. I stepped out and listened to the doors closing. Here we go. Bodies laid with bullet holes riddled into the walls, and blood splatters added stark contrast. The speakers above crackled to life.

    "Here you are, Tim," Charlotte said. "You know where I am."

I didn't bother to reply as I continued down the hallway. Courage felt fragile with each step I took, getting closer to crumble. I have to do this. I can't stop. I repeated it over until my eyes came across a plastic ID in the middle of the floor. It stuck out, and I crouched down. Familiar curly hair and brown eyes stared back. Oddly familiar. Bold, strict print read "Florence Bond': Blake's father. I took the cool piece of plastic and stuck it in my pocket. I'll have to return that to Blake or his father when I get the chance. Means I got to survive.

In a few steps, I stood in front of chamber seven. About two days changed me to revengefulness, casting away hopefulness. I took a deep breath and strode in through the automatic doors. It's time.